Miss Provo, Sasha Heaps, held a dance-a-thon last Saturday, Feb. 1, as a fundraiser for the Miss America Organization and for the Children’s Miracle Network.
With back-to-back dance classes including ballet, jazz, hip-hop and even Zumba, Heaps raised more than $350 for children in need. Ballet classes were offered for kids ages 3–8 and taught by Heaps.
Jazz and hip-hop were available for ages 10–19 and taught by Jenna Johnson and Alonso O’Brien. Zumba was the last class available for anyone and everyone of all ages. Heaps said the biggest turnout was for Zumba, and “it was so crazy fun and hard because your body never stops moving!” Participants could pay $5 for one class or $10 for unlimited classes.
“I’ve been dancing my whole life,” Heaps said. “So it seemed perfect to do a fundraiser where everyone could participate doing something active and so involved.”
When she wasn’t teaching, Heaps took classes alongside her supporters and volunteers.
“It was so nice to have these amazing dancers and teachers volunteer for something like this,” Heaps said of her fellow teachers. “There was no personal benefit, and all of the proceeds were able to go to Children’s Miracle Network.”
Miss Provo worked directly with Primary Children’s Hospital, where she was a patient just three years ago. Heaps underwent brain surgery at Primary Children’s. She has the highest regards for the hospital and loves being able to work with them now.
Johnson, a Provo native and last season’s “So You Think You Can Dance’ top 10 finalist, taught the Jazz classes for Miss Provo’s fundraiser. Johnson and Heaps danced together at Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Orem and performed side by side on the Timpview High Dance Company.
“Sasha is the sweetest,” Johnson said of Miss Provo. “I was excited she asked me to help and for such a good cause; I love volunteering.”
Miss Provo plans to do another dance fundraiser in March or April in response to the great turnout. Also, Heaps will promote her platform at the BYU breast cancer awareness game on Thursday, Feb. 13. Those unable to attend the dance-a-thon but interested in donating can visit www.missamericaforkids.org/Donate/missprovo.
